Cycling, Kuss: "I like being a domestique"

Rome, January 17, 2025 - In cycling the debate is always the same: can a natural-born domestique rise to the role of captain? Among different opinions, Sepp kuss since 2023 has shown that climbing the hierarchy is possible, even with the help of an entire team to support him. With the help of a few falls, the magic was interrupted in 2024, bringing the American back into the ranks of a Visma-Lease a Bike at the foot of the usual totem jonas vingegaard: a script that seems to be repeating itself in this upcoming season.  

Kuss's statements

  The times when the 'party' of 'the 'Kiss GC', a clear reference to that general classification to be honored by a rider who is really strong on the climbs. And yet, the role of luxury domestique seems to really appeal to the American, who spoke about it to the microphones of Cycling News. "My main goal will be to do well in Tour de France e Return. In spring I usually don't compete much because I'm not at my best during that period and so I prefer to use that period as a base to prepare for the summer, both mentally and physically". So, kiss will be the right-hand man of vingegaard in the two Grand Tours in the latter's plans. "I like being a domestique, an easier role than the captain and one that I do well. Nowadays, you need riders who know how to accelerate at the right moment, because you have a very constant and hard pace. The level is so high that you need specific elements for these moments. Staying away from the spotlight is more comfortable. This does not mean that I do not have ambitions and motivations for myself, but I prefer the shadows". In short, kiss seems to confirm that theory that sees some runners, even with excellent legs, having gaps in mentality or in any case different aspirations from others, perhaps even less strong, but more inclined to the pursuit of success. The fact is that at Visma-Lease a Bike having such a loyal leader and so little inclined to even claim space (indeed) can only be a good thing. "It has never been remotely on my radar to be a rider from Grand Tours, but it happened. Leadership is not something I seek: I prefer to show up, give my best and then see what happens."

Ferrand-Prévot's statements

  Then there are those who, at the female level, have won as much as Pauline Ferrand-Prevot, In which 2025 will return to the road wearing the jersey of Team Visma - Lease a Bike Women to try to become the first transalpine to win the Tour de France Women. "I had the idea of ​​returning for a long time, but until last summer I preferred to think about Olympics. Then the return materialized and the motivation is quickly said: I think I can still give a lot to cycling and I can do it in a team that has big plans and ambitions and in which I feel part of a family. Within three years I hope to win the Great Boucle, but I know that defeat can be part of this process."

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